And we’re back! A rough and busy day for our last leg on the first day of salmon fishing. Phone check in with customs went great, though we did have to throw half dozen Canadian eggs overboard
Other than dodging ferry’s at Schwartz Bay, and navigating thru Iroquois Channel and the shallow entrance to the spit, the journey is as pretty benign.
Plus a stop at Maple Bay for pump out and water which was pleasant. Then to Tod Inlet which was packed. We attempted to stern tie, but the combination of a rising wind funneling down the inlet, plus setting the anchor too far out caused us to bail. We got it all set up, but I didn’t like it with the wind. So we went to Mill Bay where we have a large anchorage all to ourselves. Buchart Gardens will have to wait for another day. We did have two Orca sightings along the way and they were pretty close.
Some big water out there today, but it was the best weather window for our schedule. Military exercise zone Whiskey Golf was active today, which meant we had to take some less than ideal headings for the waves. Put up some jib and the mizzen to help with rolling too much. Made it to Gabriella Pass an hour early, but made it thru no problem with 3.5 knots pulling us thru. Unfortunately the pump out at Oyster Marina here is not functioning, so we’re staying at Manana Marina until we can get to a pump out tomorrow.
Weather windows for going back South across the straight are getting smaller, so went straight here, hoping the weather holds tomorrow for crossing over to the gulf islands. Was pretty rough for a while until we got past Powell River, but we had the current pulling us the whole way.
A quick stop at Powell River for pumpout, trash and water. Surprisingly free, and no waiting for the pump out. Several Orca and Graywhale sightings near Copeland Islands. The sun slowly faded behind dark clouds the closer we got, and after no wind all day it was ripping down Homfray Channel as soon as we passed Mink Island. Puttered around the anchorage for a bit before we spotted the last available chain ring near the entrance. I’m a bit rusty with stern tying so it took longer than it should have but it worked out pretty well.
Left the dock at 0400 to go thru Malibu Rapids just before 5 which worked out perfect. Little nerve racking with reduced visibility but it went smooth. Head winds met the ebb in a few places and made for some splashiness, but overall nice with clouds and sun coming out towards the end. Only saw one other sailboat headed up Jerbia Inlet.
Garden Bay Lake in Pender Harbour BC — we took the dinghy to the John Henry fuel dock in Hospital Bay to tie off. From there the four of us walked about a mile and a half to Garden Bay Lake. The boys fished and swam with @shanedonogh. The lake is the town’s drinking water - beautiful, clear fresh water! People were paddle boarding and kayaking on the lake while we were there. We stopped near a bench by the side of the road. Thanks to Robin from the Madeira Park pumpout for the tip!
